Full-time toddler daycare in Seattle runs about $1,800 to $2,500 a month at licensed centers in 2026, per Child Care Aware of Washington data and the Child Care Aware of America 2024 Price of Child Care report. That is roughly 12 to 18 percent below infant pricing, because Washington allows one caregiver per seven toddlers instead of four babies. Licensed family child care homes run lower, around $1,400 to $1,900.
Plan for roughly $1,800 to $2,500 a month for full-time toddler care at a licensed Seattle center in 2026, based on Child Care Aware of Washington data and the Child Care Aware of America 2024 report. That is about $21,600 to $30,000 a year. Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and downtown sit at the top of the range, while licensed home-based care runs lower.
| Care setting (Seattle, full-time toddler) | Monthly range | Annual range |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed center, typical | $1,800 to $2,500 | $21,600 to $30,000 |
| Licensed center, premium (Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, downtown) | $2,200 to $2,800+ | $26,400 to $33,600+ |
| Licensed family child care home | $1,400 to $1,900 | $16,800 to $22,800 |
| Washington state average (toddler center) | roughly $1,500 to $1,700 | roughly $18,000 to $20,400 |
For the citywide picture and how the neighborhoods compare, see our Seattle daycare guide and the daycare cost pillar.
The biggest change is the ratio. Washington allows one caregiver for every seven toddlers aged 18 to 36 months, versus four infants under 18 months, per Washington DCYF rules in WAC 110-300. More children per teacher lowers the cost per child, so most Seattle centers drop tuition by about $300 to $500 a month when a child moves up from the infant room.
Toddler rooms also run on more movement and routine: walking, climbing, early potty training, and simple group activities. NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, still recommends modest group sizes at this age, so strong Seattle programs often staff better than the state minimum even though they are allowed more children per adult.
Somewhat. Because Washington allows seven toddlers per caregiver, Seattle centers can enroll more toddlers than infants, so toddler waitlists tend to be shorter than the six- to eighteen-month infant lists. Demand is still high citywide, especially in Ballard and Capitol Hill, and many families simply roll up from the same center's infant room.
If you are starting fresh with a toddler, tour several programs and ask about openings by specific room, not just the center overall. Our tour questions guide lists what to ask about staffing, turnover, and a typical toddler day.
A licensed family child care home in Seattle usually runs around $1,400 to $1,900 a month for a toddler, below center pricing, per Child Care Aware of Washington data. Homes offer a small mixed-age group and one steady caregiver, which some toddlers settle into well. Centers offer dedicated toddler rooms, more structured activities, and backup staffing when a teacher is out.
The honest tradeoff. Toddler care costs less than infant care, but Seattle prices are still among the highest in the country, and a lower invoice can mean more children per adult. Ask each program how many toddlers share a teacher and whether they staff above the Washington minimum of one to seven.
Several levers help Seattle families. Income-eligible working households can apply for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) through the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families, funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund. Seattle also runs a city-funded Child Care Assistance Program. Nearly all working parents can also use a Dependent Care FSA and claim the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit, per IRS rules.
To model your own Seattle numbers after credits and subsidies, run them through our cost calculator.
How much does toddler daycare cost in Seattle, WA? About $1,800 to $2,500 a month at licensed centers in 2026, per Child Care Aware of Washington and Child Care Aware of America 2024; homes run lower.
What is the toddler ratio in Washington? One caregiver per seven toddlers aged 18 to 36 months, per Washington DCYF rules in WAC 110-300.
Why is it cheaper than infant care? Washington allows seven toddlers per teacher versus four infants, so the labor cost per child falls and tuition drops.
Is there financial help? Yes, through Working Connections Child Care, Seattle's city assistance program, a Dependent Care FSA, and the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit.
How care, ratios, and cost change from the infant room through preschool, with the questions that matter at each stage.
Read the guide → BlogWhat the most expensive year of care costs in Seattle, plus Washington ratios and waitlist timing.
Read the article → Free toolPlug in your ZIP, child age, and care type for a net out-of-pocket estimate after credits and subsidies.
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